Understanding Energy Certificates (NZ-ECs)

Transitioning to renewable energy is a key step in reducing emissions. One practical way organisations in NZ can do this is through Energy Certificates (NZ-ECs). Each certificate you purchase represents 1 MWh of renewable electricity generated and verified within New Zealand, which can be used to reduce your Scope 2 emissions.

This article answers common questions about NZ-ECs, the BraveTrace NZECS system, and how MyImprint can support you through the process.

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What are energy certificates, and why should I purchase them? 

Energy Certificates are issued from 100% renewable energy generators that are connected either directly or indirectly to the national grid. Each Energy Certificate (NZ-EC)  represents 1 MWh of renewable electricity generated. When you purchase NZ-ECs, you match your annual energy consumption with the same volume of verified 100% renewable energy.

Under leading carbon accounting standards, this system allows you to report zero Scope 2 electricity-related emissions (under market-based approach) and can show progress towards your carbon reduction goals.

What is BraveTrave NZECS?

The New Zealand Energy Certificate System (NZECS) is administered by BraveTrace. It is the national platform for issuing, trading, and redeeming NZ-ECs. The NZECS provides a transparent, auditable system that ensures NZ-ECs are uniquely assigned - preventing double-counting.

What is a BraveTrave NZECS “Participant”?

A BraveTrace Participant is a service provider that purchases, transfers and redeems NZ-ECs. MyImprint is an official NZECS "Participant” and can act on behalf of clients to secure and redeem NZ-ECs against their electricity use.

What does having an active Brave Trace account mean? 

It means MyImprint can redeem NZ-ECs against your electricity use. The BraveTrace NZECS system records and tracks each NZ-EC renewable attribute to ensure it is only claimed once - preventing double claiming. 

What is the BraveTrace NZECS Production Year? 

The NZECS Production Year runs from 1 April to 31 March. After the Production Year closes, BraveTrace calculates and publishes the New Zealand Residual Supply Mix (RSM), in accordance with the GHG Protocol dual-reporting requirements.

My financial year doesn’t match with BraveTrace’s Production Year. What should I do?

In this case, two purchases will be required:

1. For the months remaining in the current Production Year

2. For the remainder in the following Production Year

To accommodate this, MyImprint charges one-third of the account management fee you’re your financial-year “top-up” purchase.

For example, if your financial year goes from July 2025 to June 2026, you will make one purchase for July 2025 to March 2026, paying the MyImprint fee and then another purchase from April 2026 to June 2026, paying 1/3 of the MyImprint fee.

How much does a NZ-EC cost?

Prices vary depending on market conditions and the volume purchased. Smaller volumes are often more expensive due to fixed transaction costs. Contact MyImprint to find out.

If I have an active BraveTrave account through Myimprint, will I get automatically invoiced? Yes, accounts are invoiced annually upfront unless you notify us to deactivate your account.

Why does Myimprint charge an Administration Fee on top of BraveTrace NZECS Annual Fee?

Myimprint is a “Participant” in the BraveTrace Network giving access to clients to purchase energy certificates. The BraveTrace NZECS Annual Fee covers the cost of maintaining an active account on the NZECS. The Myimprint Administration Fee is to cover the time it takes us to:

1.          Prepare paperwork

2.         Open your BraveTrave account

3.         Negotiate NZ-EC purchases with renewable electricity generators     

4.         Supporting you through the process and ensuring clarity

Please note, this is a fixed fee, regardless of whether you purchase 5 or 1,500 NZ-ECs, as the administrative workload is the same.

Can I purchase NZ-ECs once the Production Year is closed? 

BraveTrace allows a short grace period for purchases, limited to the 30th of April following the end of the Production Year. Operational activities may still be completed then, though earlier action is strongly encouraged.

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